Adventure-seeking visitors to Siesta Key don't have to look far beyond the country’s #1 beach for an adrenaline rush. If you ever tire of the relaxing sands and swims, don't pack up. You can hop on a jet ski, go parasailing or bring the whole family out on a boat. It's time to get a different view of Siesta Key--from the water!
Siesta Sports Rentals (6551 Midnight Pass Rd., 941-346-1797, www.siestasportsrentals.com) provides all of the makings for a fun adventure on the beach. Sit-on top ocean kayaks make for the perfect vehicle as you scope out beaches, lagoons and wildlife. Kayak tours, which are $45 per person, lead you through the Jim Neville Nature Preserve, where you’ll see birds and maybe even some dolphins and manatees. Single, two-person and sit-inside kayaks are also available. Rent a single for $30 or a double for $40 and keep it all day long.
If you prefer to be fully submerged in the glistening Gulf, paddleboards are available for rent with free delivery and pick-up on Siesta Key. Siesta Sports Rentals also offers boogie and skim board rentals, as well as snorkel, mask and fins rentals.
Siesta Key Water Sports (1536 Stickney Point Rd., 941-921-3030) helps you take in a fun, new view of the key with its jet ski rentals and parasailing.
Jet ski rentals are available by the hour for 1-4 hours, or for the whole day. You can rent a jet ski at 16, but if you're under 17, you must have a parent with you while signing up. Those under 22 must complete a "Safe Boaters" test if someone over 22 isn't on board.
When parasailing, you can fly single or in doubles or triples, depending if you're looking for an independent experience or one to share with friends or family.
Economy flights (8-10 minutes in the air) are $65 per person. Basic flights (10-12 minutes) are $75 and premium flights (15 minutes) are $85. Premium flights also include more line, a blast back up, an optional dip in the water, a free t-shirt and free photos for those paying with cash.
For jet ski pricing, give the shop a call. Make reservations online and get more details at www.siestakewatersports.com.
Siesta Key Parasailing 1265, Old Stickney Point Rd., 941-586-1972, www.siestakeyparasailing.com) also offers parasailing for single, double or triple trips out over the Gulf. They also provide a professional on-board photo service so you can remember your flight. Reservations are recommended, but they also welcome walk-ins. Parasailing reservations are available by phone or in person.
No need to be nervous--both Sarasota Water Sports and Siesta Key Parasailing provide highly experienced, trained captains. Also, as both websites say, "if you can sit, you can fly!"
Siesta Key Parasailing shares a site with Siesta Key Marina, which offers boat rentals and jet ski rentals in addition to parasailing trips. Boat rentals are available by the half day or full day and prices range from $90-$240 depending on the type of boat and length of the trip. For reservations and details, call 941-349-1970. For more information, visit www.siestakeymarina.com.
CB's Saltwater Outfitters, located at 1249 Stickney Point Rd. (941-349-4400), is a Siesta Key bait and tackle shop offering up boat and jet ski rentals.
Jet ski rentals are available by the hour and boat rentals are available by the half day (four hours) or the whole day (nine hours from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Rentals include pontoons, deck boats, center consoles and runabouts, with half day prices ranging from $99-$225 and full day prices ranging from $149-$275, depending on the size of the boat.
Boats are reserved for the bay, while jet skis can go in the Gulf. Jet skis leave from CB's Siesta Key location and boats can be taken out right by the Stickney Point Bridge.
For more information on pricing, rules and things you need to know, visit their website at www.cbsoutfitters.com.
Robin Hood Rentals, located at 5129 Ocean Blvd. (941-554-4242) also rents out kayaks and water skis, as well as all the tools to have fun in shallow water--paddle boards, body and boogie boards and knee/wake boards. For information on pricing, call or e-mail fun@robinhoodrentals.net. For more information on rentals, visit www.robinhoodrentals.net.
Siesta Key Bike and Kayak (1224 Old Stickney Point Rd., 941-346-0891, www.siestakeybikeandkayak.com) offers both sit-in and sit-on top kayaks.
If bikes, beach wheelchairs, scooters or surreys are more your style, both Siesta Key Bike and Kayak and Siesta Sports Rentals (see first listing) offer those, as well.
Whether you choose to fly, ski, paddle, boat or even just splash around, you'll enjoy the view out on the water on beautiful Siesta Key Beach.
